Finance Manager in Farnborough

A highly successful, privately owned engineering technology business is seeking a commercially capable Finance Manager to take ownership of its finance function within a well-established, project-led environment. The business designs and delivers engineered solutions for recognised household-name clients across the UK and internationally. It is technically strong, commercially astute, steadily growing and retains that traditional UK business feel. The office sits just off the shop floor, the leadership team is accessible and work shoulder to shoulder with Engineers, Sales, Marketing and Directors alike. It is a business built on expertise, on time delivery, referrals and long-standing relationships.

The Role

Reporting to the MD and working closely with a highly experienced, part-time Finance Director, you will lead the day-to-day finance function while contributing to wider commercial decisions. This is a hands-on leadership role. You will remain involved in the everyday detail as well as the reporting and control. An Assistant supports the ledgers, but full ownership sits with you.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily accounting operations and ledger management
• Full responsibility for Sales & Purchase Ledger control, payments and credit control
• Project costing (labour, materials and overhead allocation)
• Preparing monthly management accounts including Trial Balance
• Producing P&L, balance sheet and cashflow reports
• Quarterly VAT returns
• Supporting payroll and year-end processes
• Acting as a financial partner to the MD and wider management team

The business has successfully rolled out Sage across the finance function and is now extending its use into procurement, stock control and enhanced reporting. Experience of developing or embedding accounting systems into operational areas, particularly within an SME or engineering environment, would be highly advantageous. Over the next two years, you will work alongside the current FD, gaining exposure to broader financial strategy and business planning. With planned retirement on the horizon, there is a natural opportunity for progression for the right individual who demonstrates capability and commercial judgement.

About You

• Circa 8+ years’ accounting experience
• The most recent 2 years gained within the UK
• Strong grounding across both financial and management accounting
• Experience within an SME, engineering or project-based environment
• Exposure to systems implementation or process improvement (Sage 50 desirable)
• Comfortable remaining hands-on with transactional detail
• Commercially aware, pragmatic and confident communicating across the business

This role will suit someone capable and ambitious, but grounded and looking for responsibility, visibility and long-term progression within a stable and respected engineering business.

The Offer

• Clear development opportunity working alongside an experienced FD
• Stable, profitable and growing engineering technology business

If you are looking for a role where you can genuinely influence the financial direction of a respected engineering company in an environment that values substance over style this is a rare opportunity.